Blog Archive
What Are "Teams"?
Teams are, in effect, committees, but we refer to them as “teams” to make an important distinction in how the organization operates. Teams report directly to the Executive Director, and team chairs function in a role similar to department heads supporting the Executive Director in carrying out the organization’s operational responsibilities.
The Board delegates responsibility to four distinct entities. The Executive Director and three standing committees — Development, Finance, and Governance — report directly to the Board. Operational authority, however, is delegated to the Executive Director, who in turn delegates specific responsibilities to the various teams. This structure provides an effective and efficient system for managing the many details involved in operating the organization while maintaining clear lines of responsibility and accountability.
The Executive Director works closely with team chairs to ensure that responsibilities are appropriate, understood, and properly coordinated. This relationship is collaborative in nature and is intended to support smooth day-to-day operations throughout the community.
Under this model, the Board functions as a governance board rather than a management board. Its primary responsibility is to provide oversight, establish policy, and ensure that the organization remains aligned with its mission and objectives, rather than becoming directly involved in routine operational matters.
At the same time, the Board retains the authority to modify any delegation of responsibility or to overrule decisions made by the Executive Director when necessary. Such actions are governed by a formal process that includes a properly noticed meeting with a quorum present, a motion made and seconded by Board members, discussion by the Board, and a vote. This process preserves the distinction between governance and management while ensuring that the Board maintains ultimate responsibility for the organization.
Board intervention in management matters is intended to occur only in exceptional circumstances. Such circumstances would generally involve situations that could jeopardize the well-being of the community or indicate that operational responsibilities are not being addressed appropriately. By limiting intervention to significant issues, the organization preserves the integrity of its management structure while still ensuring accountability.
Teams also serve another essential purpose: they are the community’s mechanism for maintaining a member-driven, member-run orientation. Teams provide members with meaningful opportunities to participate in the decision-making process and contribute to the life of the organization. Through team participation, members help shape programs, services, and community activities in a collaborative and constructive way.
In addition, members contribute to the organization’s leadership by stepping forward to lead special interest groups or serve in leadership positions within teams. This broad participation strengthens both the organization and the sense of community among members.
Overall, this approach to dividing responsibilities has helped create the strong, effective, and well-organized community that the Village has become. By maintaining clear distinctions between governance and management, while encouraging active member participation, the organization is able to operate efficiently while remaining true to its community-centered mission.
Addendum as of 05-24-2026:
Here are some other articles that may be of interest related to organization, structure, and operations of the Village.
